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Monday, October 17, 2005

If you're looking for a nice evening out this week but don't want to spend a bundle, head over to Detroit's Lofts of Merchants Row on Thursday night. As part of the local Hurricane Katrina relief effort by the United Way for Southeastern Michigan (UWSEM), the Lofts of Merchants Row is hosting a UWSEM community fundraiser from 6 to 9 pm to ensure that the long-term needs for Detroit-based Hurricane Katrina evacuees are met.

The fundraising event, which runs from 6 to 9 pm, is a great way to meet and mingle with area citizens and business people, as well as show your support for the newest members of the Detroit community - the Katrina-evacuees that were forced out of their Gulf Coast hometowns and into the Motor City.

For just $25 a couple, function-goers will enjoy free food and drinks, a live DJ and a fashion show by Mark England DeMode. Attendees will also have the chance to partake in a silent auction, chock-full of fabulous prizes from area businesses like Marshall Field's, Avis Rent-A-Car, the Detroit Beer Company and more. Items range from a free weekend car rental to a membership at the new Boll Family Downtown YMCA. Sports fans will have a ball trying to win one of the three autographed Red Wings pucks, and those with a penchant for the finer things in life will appreciate the artwork and theatre tickets up for grabs.

Keep in mind, though, that everyone attending this event is a winner - whether they go home with gift basket or not.

The United Way for Southeastern Michigan has been operating in various forms in the Detroit area since 1912. Its 2004 Annual Torch Drive raised $64.5 million for Metro Detroiters in need, and this year's Torch Drive - which runs through November 22 - aims to top last year's fund-raising goal by $2 million. UWSEM was at the forefront of local Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, and has provided assistance with housing, food, transportation and utility relief for the 2,000-plus Katrina-evacuees now residing in Metro Detroit's tri-counties. For more information on Thursday's event, or to find out how to donate time or money to UWSEM's local Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund, please visit http://katrina.uwsem.org or call 313.226.9200.